Tallinn University of Technology

About: Tallinn University of Technology is a education organization based out in Tallinn, Estonia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: European union & Computer science. The organization has 3688 authors who have published 10313 publications receiving 145058 citations. The organization is also known as: Tallinn Technical University & Tallinna Tehnikaülikool.

Treatment of PAH-contaminated soil by combination of Fenton's reaction and biodegradation

Abstract: A combination of modified Fenton and biological treatment was used to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from creosote oil-contaminated soil. After modified Fenton reaction the toxicity of column leachate and soil to Vibrio fischeri increased. The number of intact bacterial cells and utilisation of PAHs in PAH utilisation microplate assay decreased after modified Fenton reaction. However, bacteria in chemically treated soil utilised PAHs without addition of other carbon sources. The activity of extracellular esterases increased during incubation of modified Fenton-treated soil. PAH removal in combined chemical oxidation and incubation (43–59%) was higher than in incubation alone (22–30%). Residual H2O2 in soil allowed chemical oxidation of PAHs during incubation. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry

Open Data as Enabler of Public Service Co-creation: Exploring the Drivers and Barriers

Abstract: Open data is being increasingly looked at as a major driver of public service innovation. Open access to datasets and advanced analytical tools are believed to generate valuable new knowledge that can be turned into data-driven services. At the same time, open data is also believed to spur open governance and enable the engagement of various stakeholders in the co-creation of services. Despite this appealing vision of open data-driven co-creation of public services, we are far from understanding how it can be realized in practice. We turned to 63 experts and practitioners in a survey covering six European countries and found a multitude of barriers that need to be overcome first. Luckily we also found some drivers. This paper provides some first insights into these drivers and barriers and proposes policy recommendations to foster a data-driven transformation of public service creation.

More comprehensive forensic genetic marker analyses for accurate human remains identification using massively parallel DNA sequencing

Abstract: Although the primary objective of forensic DNA analyses of unidentified human remains is positive identification, cases involving historical or archaeological skeletal remains often lack reference samples for comparison. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) offers an opportunity to provide biometric data in such cases, and these cases provide valuable data on the feasibility of applying MPS for characterization of modern forensic casework samples. In this study, MPS was used to characterize 140-year-old human skeletal remains discovered at a historical site in Deadwood, South Dakota, United States. The remains were in an unmarked grave and there were no records or other metadata available regarding the identity of the individual. Due to the high throughput of MPS, a variety of biometric markers could be typed using a single sample. Using MPS and suitable forensic genetic markers, more relevant information could be obtained from a limited quantity and quality sample. Results were obtained for 25/26 Y-STRs, 34/34 Y SNPs, 166/166 ancestry-informative SNPs, 24/24 phenotype-informative SNPs, 102/102 human identity SNPs, 27/29 autosomal STRs (plus amelogenin), and 4/8 X-STRs (as well as ten regions of mtDNA). The Y-chromosome (Y-STR, Y-SNP) and mtDNA profiles of the unidentified skeletal remains are consistent with the R1b and H1 haplogroups, respectively. Both of these haplogroups are the most common haplogroups in Western Europe. Ancestry-informative SNP analysis also supported European ancestry. The genetic results are consistent with anthropological findings that the remains belong to a male of European ancestry (Caucasian). Phenotype-informative SNP data provided strong support that the individual had light red hair and brown eyes. This study is among the first to genetically characterize historical human remains with forensic genetic marker kits specifically designed for MPS. The outcome demonstrates that substantially more genetic information can be obtained from the same initial quantities of DNA as that of current CE-based analyses.

Microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of cyclic expansion-extrusion deformed pure copper

Abstract: A recently developed severe plastic deformation technique, cyclic expansion–extrusion (CEE), was applied on a commercial pure copper to investigate the relationship between microstructure, texture and mechanical properties over a wide range of strains. Microstructure and crystallographic texture investigations were performed by optical microscopy, electron back scattering and X-ray diffraction. Significant evolution in grain refinement was achieved down to sub-micron grain size. A considerable texture evolution was also observed within the deformation zone with the extrusion as the decisive step for the final texture. Fiber deformation textures were observed; the 〈111〉 component was found to be the main texture component while the 〈100〉 component became significant only at very large strains. The evolution in hardness and tensile properties was studied and a clear relationship between texture evolution, microstructural parameters and mechanical properties was found and discussed.